In proactively keeping to its commitment to provide excellent working conditions for its employees and improve public service in the Metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held the groundbreaking ceremonies for its five-storey Annex Building located at the MMDA New Office in Pasig City.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that the MMDA Annex Building is more than just an extension of the agency’s main office but it represents a significant expansion of commitment to public service and a testament to sustainability and resilience.
“This building will serve as a model for sustainable and climate-resilient government infrastructure with solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting technology, and advanced earthquake resilience features, the Annex Building will stand as a beacon of our efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into our operations,” Atty. Artes said.
The Annex Building’s notable features include function halls where the agency can hold events, seminars, and trainings; a multi-purpose area that will serve as an emergency evacuation center in times of disaster, among others.
The MMDA likewise launched the newly enhanced MMDA Communications and Command Center (CCC), an innovative structure that will serve as the central point for information management and decision-making and an avenue for leadership and governance.
Officials can use the facility to gather and analyze necessary data information, process all the required information, and effectively plan for and respond to potential emergencies, natural and man-made disasters, and traffic and flood control management.
“Our MMDA Communications and Command Center will be the nerve center for information management and decision-making, guiding our efforts in traffic control, disaster response, and public safety,” Artes stated.
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, for his part, expressed his appreciation and support to the agency for its continuing efforts to integrate environmental responsibility operations to provide better services to the public.
“A project like this is very helpful in terms of disaster risk reduction. We all know that natural calamities are unpredictable, so I continue to admire and support the MMDA in offering this structured Annex Building and MMDA Command Center to be used as a secondary emergency operations center during times of emergencies and calamities, and for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of the metropolis with their 24/7 operations,” Teodoro said.
For his part, incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara also showed his confidence and support for MMDA. The enhanced CCC was funded thru the initiative of Sen. Angara.
“Since day one, I have had my full support for all the projects and programs of MMDA. I assure and trust the agency in providing the best service for the betterment of Metro Manila,” Angara said.
The newly enhanced MMDA CCC is equipped with the latest surveillance and monitoring technology, smart-enabled devices, and an advanced multi-display video wall system. The system includes displays, a graphics controller, wall management software, and workstations.
In times of emergencies, the CCC is ready to be an alternate emergency operations center for the disaster risk reduction and management council.
The establishment of the Annex Building and the enhanced of MMDA Communications and Command center are all aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance public safety and promote resilience in the face of natural disasters and with the Bagong Pilipinas’ vision of a safer, more resilient, and progressive nation.
The groundbreaking and launching was also attended by MMDA Deputy Chairman Usec. Frisco San Juan Jr., Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration Asec. Ma. Carolina Salgado, Globe Telecoms, Inc. Director Robert M. Aquino, Monocrete Construction Philippines, Inc. Chairman Manuel Mendoza, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Abalos- Vargas, and other MMDA officials.
